By Dave Statter
STATter911
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — One day after being confirmed as chief of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, Eugene Jones is already making significant changes in the department’s daily operations. A directive issued earlier today cuts the number of units that will be dispatched on a reported structure fire.
Chief Jones calls it a study to evaluate the department’s “performance regarding emergency responses.” He cites safety as the main reason for the new response policy.
It starts on July 27. The details are in the memo and directive above. Essentially, on a reported structure fire incident only two engines, two special services and a battalion chief will be dispatched.
The exceptions are “high life hazard occupancies” such as churches schools and hospitals which will continue to get the full box alarm response of four engines, three special services and a chief.
Obviously the IC has the option to always ask for the full box alarm. The IC will be responsible for filling out a form after each response to determine the effectiveness of the policy.
The documents were sent to us by Chief Spokesman Mark Brady. Brady says this is only a safety measure and not considered a money saving issue by the department.